New Zealand Koru Dojo

The Koru Dojo Story

Pioneers of aikido in New Zealand since 1965, David and Hisae Lynch moved from Auckland (where the Koshinkai Dojo they established in Grey Lynn continues under Dojo-cho, Justin Lewis) to the Coromandel and built a unique geodesic dome-dojo in 2005.

Surrounded by 70 acres of native bush, with waterfalls, swimming holes and kauri trees, the idyllic setting played host to many international and national gasshuku, as well as other cultural activities such as taiko drumming, and meditation gatherings, where the natural atmosphere of the dojo and its surroundings inspired hundreds of visitors.

The couple decided to downsize and move closer to family in New Plymouth, so the Koru Dojo, together with their house and land was sold in August, 2022.

The photos preserved from the dojo’s website tell the story.

“Do not fail
To learn from
The pure voice of an
Ever-flowing mountain stream
Splashing over the rocks."

Morihei Ueshiba
Founder of Aikido.